Saipem has wrapped up key installation components for the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm, a 450MW sustainable energy project situated 15 km off Scotland's east coast. The wind farm promises to be a cornerstone in the North Sea's renewable energy infrastructure.
The Italian engineering and construction firm secured a turnkey contract for the project from NnG Offshore Wind in 2019. The company is a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB. This marked Saipem's debut in the offshore wind sector. The comprehensive agreement required Saipem to handle engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of foundational structures.
Specifically, Saipem engineered and installed 54 steel jackets for wind turbines, two additional jackets for offshore substations, and the topsides that sit on these foundations. Design work for the jackets was performed by Saipem's engineering teams in the UK and Italy. Manufacturing was executed at Saipem-owned facilities in Karimun, Indonesia, and Arbatax, Italy.
Matthias Haag, Project Director at NnG Offshore Wind Limited, lauded the venture. “This landmark project has seen excellent progress, thanks in part to Saipem's vital contributions. We are at the stage of installing turbines and are gearing up for initial power production, targeting completion early next year,” he stated.
As for installation specifics, Saipem 3000 accomplished the foundation pile installations by the end of summer 2023, while Saipem 7000 managed the drilling and installation of the jackets offshore.
Though installation work has concluded, Saipem is committed to ensuring the project's ultimate success, maintaining its supportive role as NnG advances toward completion.
